SOUTH ORANGE, NJ--The 20th Annual Hounds and Harriers Run
(3 miles) was held on Saturday October 8 at South Mountain Reservation.
The day was ideal for running with overcast skies and temperatures
in the low 60s.

First timer Eric Dyson (Downington, PA) and his beagle mix
Griffin, crossed the line first in 16:02, the second fastest
time ever run at a Hounds and Harriers Run. The only faster time
and the race record go back to 2002 when David Panish (Washington
DC) and his lab Karma ran a 15:49. Second to finish was Liam
Gallagher and his hound Danny (Morristown) in 17:01 followed
by Peter Hyland (Glen Gardner) and coonhound Jake in 17:22. The
womans division was won by 2014 winners, Lauren Santonastaso
(Springfield) and her beagle/Jack Russell mix Macy (20:26). Runner-up
was a newcomer to the race, Abigail Wentworth and her pit bull
Rose (Bedminster).

A second shorter event called the Paws from the Past
was held for dogs that are retired from running the longer course
due to age or disability. Participants in the Paws event included
Oreo Harootunian (Madison), Mario Cuchiaro (Whitehouse Station),
Ollie Winters (Wayne), Rosie Fox (Milford), Brody and Nicky Kelly
(Somerset). All received a ribbon and a toy.

The event was created for people that run with their dogs
on a regular basis and would like to participate in a race where
they are welcome. Most local road races do not allow dogs. Besides
NJ, the race drew entries from PA, NY, VT, and RI. Each entrant
received a gift bag and a T-shirt and bandanna designed by Swedish
artist Eva Riise.

This race is a favorite of all that come because there are
few opportunities to run a race with your dog. Here is just one
comment sent in by Reid Prebenda: It was the heart that
compelled you make this happen year in and year out with so many
logistical challenges. It was with that heart and your vision
that you created a magical place where union of dog and owner
could celebrate friendship and love in the autumn colors. And
it is with that heart that you have seared many precious memories
into all of our hearts. That is a truly invaluable gift. So thank
you with all of my heart. Reids brother, Troy: It
was a community that brought us joy and connection; the H &
H community was more than just welcoming. It was a kind community
where people didnt know each other to start, yet we ended
up feeling as though we knew everyone just by coming to run with
our dogs year after year. The Prebenda family, long time
Chatham residents, have returned to the race from Rhode Island
ever since their relocation in 2012.

Since the races inception in 1997, the race has
raised about $195,000 primarily to dog related charities. In
August, the race sent a $1000 check to the Companion Animal Alliance
of Baton Rouge for flood relief. Another $14,000 will be distributed
among the following charities: Home for Good Dog Rescue, the
Eleventh Hour Rescue, Somerset Regional Animal Shelter, the National
Canine Cancer Foundation. The Challenged Athletes Foundation,
and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. The latter two
donations are to honor two time race winner Glenn Hartrick, who
sustained a spinal cord injury in June 2014. He participated
with his Chihuahua Piper using his wheel chair in 2015 and 2016.

In addition to 10 placement awards, awards were given to first
shelter adoptee or rescued dog, first veteran dog (age 10 or
over), first small and first large dog. Parallel awards were
given for men and women.

ABIGALE WENTWORTH,
SECOND WOMAN IN 22:40, AND
ROSIE.
VICKI BENZ PHOTO

The race is supported by local branches of national sponsors:
Roetger Group at Morgan Stanley (Morristown), the Madison branches
of PetValu, Lakeland Bank, and Investors Bank. Other local sponsors
include Murray Hill Veterinary Associates, Morris Animal Inn,
Atlantic Rehabilitation, Madison Animal Hospital, Bark Avenue
Mobile Pet Spa, Nielsen Chrysler/Dodge, Total Health, Roxdane
Kennels, The Decorating Store, Dental Associates of Basking Ridge
(Morristown), Best Friends Fitness, Professional Hair, and the
Perambulating Pet Sitter. Garden State Veterinary Services, a
new urgent care center, not only was our largest sponsor by far,
they sent a team to the race to handle emergencies. Located in
Iselin, it is one of the closest emergency centers to eastern
Morris County. Zoetis, the animal health division of Novartis
and Merck Animal Health with offices in Madison also contributed
as did dog clubs Skyline Agility Club and SCOR Agility. Camp
Gone to the Dogs, a Vermont based camp for dogs and owners also
contributed.